Delve into the hidden nature of words:
An irresistible mix of information, curiosity, and fun
Linguist Vivian Cook takes us on a brilliant series of excursions into the history and meaning of words: How do we learn words as a child? How are words born, and why do they die? Why do some never get spoken, and others never written? Each chapter is charmingly illustrated--and accompanied by a rich assortment of games, lists, puzzles, and quotes. From polite words to crass words, from p-c words to Shakespeare's words, from food and wine words to jazz and drug words--the book is an exciting exploration into the abundance and variety of words.
- Available now
- Sweeten Up Your Holidays!
- New eBook additions
- Graphic Novels, Manga, and Superheroes!
- New kids additions
- New teen additions
- Most popular
- Try something different
- Resources for Libraries
- New Russian Language Books
- New Spanish Language Books
- "Se me enchina la piel" - Libros espantosos para adultos
- See all
- New audiobook additions
- Full-cast audio
- Great Audiobook Narrators!
- New teen additions
- New kids additions
- Available now
- Most popular
- Try something different
- See all
- Diverse Families
- Family Road Trip
- Reese Witherspoon's Book Club Reads
- The 100 Best Teen Books of All Time!
- Spies, Lies & Political Intrigue
- Great Adult Books for Teens!
- Transgender/nonbinary reads
- What's Next? Getting to a New Normal
- Twisty Psychological Thrillers
- Need a Laugh?
- Learn English
- African-American Romance
- Burnout: Signs, Symptoms and Strategies
- See all